Strings Of Pearls

JEAN ALLEN Advice and Dissent

Q. Our large family of 26 _ 12 adults and 14 children _ has not been together for more than six years, and some of the children have never met their cousins. They range in age from 2 to 19.

We are seeking help in finding a place for a family reunion, possibly the last week in July or the first week in August. These dates are flexible.

We would like to be on a beach, somewhere between Florida and New York, with either housekeeping cottages, efficiencies or two large homes next to each other. We will have a boat at our disposal. All families are on a limited budget, so reasonable rates would be helpful. _ Betty N., Boca Raton

A. I can't help you find specific lodgings, but I can tell you some coastal places that have accommodations for a range of prices. I'm glad your timing is flexible, since late July/early August are among the busiest (and most expensive) times of the summer seashore season.

Myrtle Beach, S.C., along that state's Grand Strand, attracts thousands of winter residents looking for a low-cost escape from Northern snow, and thousands of golfers on budget packages. It's also a popular family vacation spot in summer. For help, contact the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578, 800-356-3016.

The kids would like Myrtle Beach _ there's plenty to do, including dozens of miniature golf layouts _ and the adults should like the golf and the Branson-style music theaters.

Florida's Panhandle, while not on the Atlantic coast, stretches along the Gulf of Mexico and, like Myrtle Beach, is a bustling place both winter and summer. Some gulfshore areas to investigate: Beaches of South Walton 800-822-6877; Emerald Coast 800-322-3319; Panama City Beach 800-553-1330.

North Carolina's Outer Banks are another possibility. The Dare County Tourist Bureau (PO Box 399, Manteo, NC 27954, 800-446-6262) offers material that lists dozens of real estate agencies along the Banks, where there are more house rentals than motels.

Amelia Island, east of Jacksonville on the northeastern tip of Florida, includes posh resorts and dozens of B&Bs, as well as short-term house and apartment rentals. Fernandina Beach, Amelia's only town, is full of nicely restored Victorian-era buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At Fort Clinch State Park, visitors are greeted by rangers dressed as soldiers from the 1860s, representing Northern troops who occupied the fort during the Civil War. St. Augustine is an easy day trip from Amelia. For rental agents, call the island's Tourist Development Council, 800-2-AMELIA.

Q. We want to visit Philadelphia in May for my sister's graduation. We are taking our twin daughters, ages 3 1/2, and would appreciate advice on places to stay, visit, and any other insight you can offer.

It will be a short stay, three or four days max. _ E. and O.R., Coconut Creek

A. Your children are a bit young for some of the kid stuff available in Philadelphia, but there's plenty for them to enjoy.

They should like the New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden, N.J., across the Delaware River from Philadelphia's riverfront attractions. Cross the river by bridge or on a ferry between Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum and the aquarium.

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and all of Independence National Historical Park are fascinating places but likely to bore little children. They might get a kick out of meeting Colonial-era characters like Benjamin Franklin who roam the park, and they might enjoy a ride in the horse-drawn carriages that leave from Independence Hall.

There's a wonderful toy store downtown called Presents of Mind: Einstein, that captivates grown-ups. The children will find plenty to like here.

The children can burn off energy at huge Fairmount Park and visit the park's zoo. Several museums appeal to children: The Please Touch Museum is for kids ages 1 to 7; the Academy of Natural Sciences Museum has exhibits of dinosaurs, spiders and such; and the Franklin Institute Science Museum has hands-on exhibits dedicated to 21st century exploration.

For getting around town, a good choice is the Phlash, a purple bus that loops through downtown, stopping at hotels, shops, restaurants, museums and famous sites. It's $1.50 for a ride, $3 for an all-day pass, and children under 6 ride free.

Last summer Philadelphia had a ``Big Value Family Vacation'' promotion that offered seven attractions at one price, a savings of 20 percent over usual prices. Included were the suburban Sesame Street theme park and places I've already mentioned. Several hotels offered packages to tie in with the family theme, and a Family Friendly Guide to Philadelphia was available from the Visitors Center. Phone the center at 800-611-5961 for a free copy of the Official Visitors Guide and ask about bargains coming up this summer, including airfares offered in conjunction with special promotions like the Family Vacation.